Image Courtesy:theliberalworld.com
On May 6, almost after 19 days after Vignesh’s custodial death, Central Bureau of Criminal Investigation Division (CB-CID) arrested two policemen – constable Ponraj and writer Munaf on charges of murder. The custodial torture and death case was converted into a murder case, based on the autopsy report of the 25-year-old deceased.
The custodial death case of Vignesh was transferred to the CB-CID by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin, after allegations were raised against police officers about their attempts to cover up the alleged custodial death. Nine police officers were summoned by the CB-CID on May 6 to join the investigation into the alleged custodial death, out of whom two have been arrested so far.
Brief background of the case
On the night of April 18, Vignesh was taken into custody along with a friend named Suresh by a police patrol team in Chennai city during vehicle check. The police officer found a small quantity of ganja and liquor bottles in the autorickshaw they were travelling in. While Suresh was being questioned by the police officer, Vignesh tried to escape but eventually got caught. They were taken to the police station and allegedly beaten up, the day after which Vignesh died. Vignesh earned daily wages of Rs. 300-400 by working as a horse-rider at Marina beach.
As reported by Times of India, the Chief Minister had earlier stated that Vignesh had developed seizures and started vomiting after having breakfast (in police custody) on April 19. He was taken to a private hospital nearby and later to the Kilpauk government hospital. Doctors, however, pronounced him dead on arrival.
“The death has raised suspicion. It should be registered as a case of murder, transferred to CBI for fair probe and action against policemen concerned,” the former CM said as quoted by Times of India.
Autopsy results
The post-mortem report did not give a definitive cause of death but has confirmed the deceased has suffered from multiple injuries and fractures on his body.
According to an India Today report, the post-mortem report listed several contusions (up to 1 cm) or bruises all over Vignesh’s body, especially on his head. The report also said there was an abrasion or cut on his gluteal region, a fracture in his right leg and that the injuries were caused before his death. The autopsy also revealed deep muscle injury above the left eye, swelling and contusion on the left cheek filled with blood, and injuries on the back and lower part of the right forearm.
Actions taken previously
Chief Minister Stalin made a statement in the state Assembly as a reply to a special calling attention moved by Opposition leader Edappadi K Palaniswami that, “The report said there were 13 injuries on his body. On this basis, it has been registered as a murder case today. Officers who have been booked will be facing murder charges now. The crime branch of the CID is probing the case and appropriate action will be taken soon,” as reported by The Indian Express.
Three policemen of Secretariat Colony police station i.e., a police sub-inspector Perumal, a constable and a member of the Home Guards were suspended and the DGP had transferred the case to CB-CID on April 24. As reported by Times of India, Stalin told the Assembly, “I have informed (the House) already that the government is taking all legal action in connection with Vignesh’s death.”
According to the Indian Express, Opposition MLAs demanded a CBI probe instead of the CB-CID probe. Citing the external injuries mentioned on the victim’s post-mortem report, Palaniswami said the victim’s family would not get justice if the CB-CID of the state police probed it. “The state police cannot probe it. They should hand over the probe to the CBI to ensure justice in the case,” he said.
Custodial death: Official figures
According to National Herald, National Human Rights Commission data shows 151 custodial deaths in India in the year 2021. The union home ministry told Parliament that a total of 151 custodial deaths have been reported in India, this year with Maharashtra reporting the highest at 26.
As Varun Gandhi, member of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) sought a state-wise division of custodial deaths, Nityanand Rai, Minister of State for Home Affairs said that according to the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), 151 cases of death in police custody were reported till November 15.
The ministry mentioned that Maharashtra reported a maximum of 26 deaths in police custody followed by Gujarat with 21 deaths, Bihar with 18 deaths, and about 11 deaths each in Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh were reported in police custody. Meanwhile, at least 13 states did not register any custodial deaths.
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